Apple has been the subject of widespread criticism for its business practices, particularly in the crypto community. The tech giant’s monopoly in the market has been the result of deliberate actions aimed at cementing its position. A former Apple executive, who served as its app store manager, shed light on the company’s practices during an interview.
Phillip Shoemaker, CEO of Identity.com, who left Apple in 2016, revealed that the guidelines for registering on the tech giant’s app store were deliberately complicated. Steve Jobs originally created the guidelines to provide clear instructions to developers, but after Shoemaker’s departure, Apple overhauled the document, making the situation even more confusing for developers.
The Gatekeeper in the Market
The changes served a purpose, however, as they allowed Apple to occupy the privileged position of a “gatekeeper” in the market. Being accepted on Apple’s or Google’s app store can be the difference between a company’s success or failure. As a result, the tech giant’s influence has often been a source of dissatisfaction among developers. Shoemaker himself revealed that he had been harassed and even received death threats.
Apple’s Ambiguous Stance on Crypto
Shoemaker also shed some light on the firm’s deliberately vague stance on crypto. Apple had a negative view of crypto from the beginning of the industry and many officials viewed it as a scam or a Ponzi scheme. Despite calls from the crypto community for an exemption, Apple has maintained its 30% tax on cryptocurrency purchases and in-app NFT transactions.
Coinbase’s Problems with Apple
In December, Coinbase encountered difficulties while rolling out the new update to its Coinbase Wallet app. The problem has since been solved, and the wallet is now available on the Apple Store. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, and Shoemaker have the same view of Apple’s end goal. Coinbase believes that Apple’s policy is to “protect its profits at the expense of consumers and innovation,” while Shoemaker believes that Apple behaves like a bully who terrorizes the weak.
Apple’s Policy under Scrutiny
Apple’s policy is beginning to attract the attention of regulators, particularly in Europe where the firm may be forced to revise its rules to comply with EU anti-monopoly requirements. It remains to be seen whether other countries will adopt similar measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s position as the gatekeeper of the app store has been met with criticism from various sources, especially the crypto community. The former Apple executive, Phillip Shoemaker, has shed light on the company’s deliberately ambiguous stance on crypto and its confusing guidelines for developers. Shoemaker’s comments reveal that Apple views crypto unfavorably and has used its influence as the gatekeeper to protect its profits at the expense of consumers and innovation. The company’s stance on crypto has also been the source of dissatisfaction among developers and the crypto community.
Despite the calls from the crypto industry for Apple to change its policies, it has yet to change its 30% tax on cryptocurrency purchases and in-app NFT transactions. Apple’s policy has drawn the attention of regulators, and in Europe, it may be forced to revise its rules to comply with EU anti-monopoly requirements. It remains to be seen whether other countries will adopt similar measures.
In the end, Apple’s role as the gatekeeper of the app store has given it significant power and influence over the market. However, as the controversy surrounding its business practices continues to grow, it is likely that the tech giant will come under increased scrutiny and pressure to revise its policies in the future. The crypto industry’s relationship with Apple is far from improving, and it remains to be seen whether the two will find common ground in the future.
